William m



(No Model.)

W. M. BLANCHARD.

ELASTIO STORM APRON FOR VEHIGLES. No. 519,564. Patented May 8, 1894.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM M. BLANCHARD, OF QUINCY, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO THE QUINCY STORM APRON COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.

ELASTIC STORM-APRON F OR VEHICLES. I

SPECIFICATION forming m of Letters Patent ivo. 519,564, dated May 8, 1894.

Application filed December 8, 1893. Serial No. 493,181. (No model.)

To all whom it may aoncern: Be it known that I, WILLIAM M. BLANCH- ARD, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Quincy, in the county of Adams and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Elastic Storm-Aprons, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in storm aprons for vehicles of which the following is such a clear, full and exact description as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

The object of the invention is the provision of a storm apron adjustable to dash-boards of different lengths, thereby making a single apron applicable to a number of vehicles; furthermore, the invention consists in so constructing the hood of the apron that it may be securely attached in position over the dashboard in such a manner that the securing device may be protected from the elements; furthermore, in making the securing means readily removable torenew the same when worn or broken. Finally the invention consists in various novel details of construction, arrangement and combinations of parts to be hereinafter more fully described and specifically pointed out in the claim.

In describing the invention in detail, reference is had to the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views,in which- Figure 1. is a view in perspective showing my improved apron secured in position on a vehicle. Fig. 2. is a top plan view of the apron, and Fig. 3. is a detail view showing a section of the inner face of the hood.

In the drawings:1, denotes a storm apron, the top of which is secured to the bows of the vehicle, as at 2 in the well-known manner.

The aperture through which the lines pass is protected by the flap or cover 3, secured to the outer surface of the apron and extends over the said aperture, preventing the en-= trance of water,

At the lower part of the apron a hood 4, is

- formed, which is designed to fit over the dash in the well-known manner, but in carrying out my invention it is necessary that the same bemade so large that it will fit, when fully extended, a dash of the maximum length in general use. After the hood is so formed, the sides thereof are gathered with a wide heading and the widthof the same is correspondingly reduced. When so gathered, a strip of rubber or other retractible material 5, is se- 50 cured to the inner sides, by which the gath ering is retained normally drawn together reducing the hood to a minimum length and making it thus adjustable by simple and inexpensive means, which are thoroughly efficient and satisfactory in use, as the hood is readily extensible to its greatest adjustment, by simply drawing the ends in opposite di rections until the hood slides over the dashboard and into position. This improvement does not in any way interfere with the storing of the apron when not in use, as a compact and neat fold can be made when constructed as described.

The objects, advantages and operation of the invention will be apparent from the foregoing description and it is particularly noted that various changes in the details of construction. might be made and yet the spirit of, my invention would not be departed from. 7

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to obtain by Letters Patent, is

A storm apron consisting of water proof material terminating in a hood, said hood being gathered on each side with a wide heading, and secured by elastic strips arranged within the hood to the sides thereof, being adapted to fit dash boards of varying widths and heights, substantially as and for the purpose described. y

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses WILLIAM M. BLANOHARD.

Witnesses:

WILLIAM A. MOCONNELL, JOSEPH I. FOREMAN. 

